Mobile meth lab uncovered at 'family friendly' Florida tourism center

Two individuals in their 40s were arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol for trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine near a Florida Welcome Center.

According to WFTX in southwest Florida, a routine traffic stop for a vehicle with a suspected illegal tint turned into a drug bust and a hazardous materials team being dispatched after officers became suspicious of drug use.

A car was stopped on I-95, and the Florida Highway Patrol reported that the driver, a 42-year-old woman, and the passenger, a 41-year-old man, were going to Apopka, Florida, by way of Charleston, North Carolina.

During the investigation, police said that the trooper determined that the individuals were showing visual and behavioral signs of illegal drug use. Surprisingly, the occupants consented to a search of the vehicle.

The trooper located liquid and crystal methamphetamine in the car, along with materials to manufacture both types of the drug.

A hazmat team was called to the scene and was pictured searching the vehicle and cleaning themselves of contaminants.

"[Florida Highway Patrol] requested assistance with a mobile meth lab at the I-95 Welcome Center. NCSO and NCFR are both on scene. Traffic to the welcome center is shut down and it has been evacuated," a Twitter post by the Nassau County Sheriff's Office read.

Officials noted that the chemicals in meth production are hazardous, flammable, and a serious health risk in terms of inhalation or ingestion. The Florida Highway Patrol also warned that the contaminants can also cause severe burns if they come in contact with the skin.

Authorities said that both suspects were transported to the Nassau County Jail, where they were charged with trafficking, possession, and manufacturing of methamphetamine.

The investigation caused the tourism location to be temporarily closed.

Florida Welcome Centers are described as a resource for tourists to plan their Florida vacation. "Our Certified Florida Information Specialists are happy to assist you with your travel planning needs—from directions, to destinations, to up-to-date road conditions," the website boasts.

Visitors are even offered "free Florida citrus juice" or "a moment to relax in [the] air-conditioned lobby."